Heart Transplant
University Medical Center has been effectively treating end-stage heart failure with transplantation since 1979. The key to success for our heart transplant program has and continues to be its experienced, highly skilled cardiothoracic transplant team, including renowned transplant surgeons and physicians, dedicated nurse transplant coordinators and caring support staff.
Our experience and research set us apart from our counterparts in transplantation. The heart transplant program at UMC has been on the cutting edge of transplantation since the program began as one of only six heart transplant programs in the nation, performing cardiac transplantations, as well as heart/lung transplantation. The heart transplant program at UMC was the first program in the world to successfully use a cardiac assist device as a bridge to transplant. It is also home to the first FDA-approved total artificial heart, CardioWest.
See more about our Artificial Heart Program (only works with Internet Explorer)
Why do I need a Heart Transplant?
Heart transplantation is a carefully considered option for those patients who suffer from End Stage Heart Disease (ESHD). ESHD can be caused by many different diseases, but is most commonly associated with the following:
- Cardiomyopathy There are many different forms of cardiomyopathy; however, all forms of the disease cause a general weakening or deformity to the heart muscle. This in turn reduces the pumping ability of the heart, reducing circulation.
- Congenital Cardiovascular Defects Congenital heart defects are diseases or malformations of the heart that a person is born with. These defects are common, affecting one percent of all live births according to the American Heart Association. In general, these types of diseases will affect the blood flow in the heart or the surrounding vessels. A congenital cardiovascular defect can also cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern.
- Coronary artery disease The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself. With coronary artery disease, these very important vessels become restricted, and cannot deliver blood efficiently.
- Life-threatening arrhythmias Arrhythmias occur when the heart's electrical system fails. They are characterized by abnormal heart beats, including the heart beating too fast or too slow. Many arrhythmia problems can be solved with medication or surgery or a combination of the two. When these fail to solve a patient's problems, heart transplant can be considered.
Specialized Services
Heart Failure Clinic
Thoracic Aortic Surgical Center Brochure (pdf)
Procedures
Heart transplant is a complex and in depth procedure. At UMC, our interest is with the patient, and as such, we require specific testing to make sure that transplant is the very best option for each patient. A patient that is referred to the heart transplant program at UMC can expect to undergo the following procedures for transplant surgery clearance:
- Complete history and physical
- Chest X-Ray
- EKG
- Echocardiogram
- MUGA scan
- Cardiac Catheterization
- MV02 Treadmill test (stress test)
- Holter Monitor (ambulatory electrocardiography device)
- Labs and Cultures
- Skin Testing (TB, PPD, Histo and Cocci)
- CT scan of chest and abdomen
- Vascular Doppler Studies of the legs and carotids
- Dental exams
- Consultation with Transplant Social Worker and Transplant Psychologist
- Immunological studies
These tests will be scheduled by your transplant coordinator, and will be performed at UMC. If you are a woman, you will require an annual pap smear, and if you are over 50, you will need a mammogram. The results of the above tests may indicate further testing to verify that transplantation is the absolute best option for you as a patient. Your transplant coordinator can assist with this.
Heart Failure
University Medical Center has and continues to be a pioneer in the treatment of heart failure. Our specialized clinic led by Dr. Cristy Smith strives to improve the lives of those struck by cardiovascular disease. To learn more about heart failure, please visit American Heart Association Web site.
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